Philodendron Narrow Escape, Jungle Boogie

Size: Single Plant | 2.5″ Pot included | Secure Packing

The Philodendron Narrow Escape, also known as Philodendron Jungle Boogie, is a popular and relatively easy-to-care-for houseplant, ideal for adding a tropical touch to your indoor space.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Philodendron Narrow Escape, Jungle Boogie’s care:

1. Light:

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. This promotes robust growth and vibrant foliage.
• It can tolerate medium to lower light conditions, but growth may be slower and leaves smaller.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause them to look dull or have brown patches.
• Rotate your plant regularly for even growth.

2. Watering:

• Water generously when the top 50%-75% of the soil has dried out.
• Allow excess water to drain out from the bottom of the pot.
• Avoid overwatering, as this is the leading cause of root rot and can lead to yellowing and drooping leaves. Ensure your pot has good drainage holes.
• It can tolerate brief periods of drought, but prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil, mimicking its tropical origins.
• Reduce watering frequency during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
• Some sources suggest avoiding tap water to maintain soil quality and leaf appearance.

3. Humidity:

• Philodendron Narrow Escape thrives in high humidity, similar to its native tropical environment.
• You can increase humidity by:
  • Misting the leaves regularly.
  • Placing the plant near a humidifier.
  • Using a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot (ensure the pot isn’t sitting in the water).
  • Grouping it with other plants.
• It can adapt to average household humidity, but higher levels are beneficial, especially for new leaves to unfurl without damage.

4. Temperature:

• Maintain temperatures between 18∘C to 29∘C (65∘F to 85∘F).
• Protect the plant from drafts, air vents, and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can cause distress.

5. Soil:

• Use a well-draining, rich potting mix that retains some moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged.
• An aroid mix is often recommended, incorporating amendments like:
  • Coco coir
  • Perlite
  • Orchid bark
  • Peat moss
• This provides a healthy balance of moisture retention, aeration, and drainage, allowing roots to spread without being suffocated.

6. Fertilizer:

• Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
• Use it at half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn.
• Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows.

7. Repotting:

• Repot your Philodendron Narrow Escape every 1-2 years, or when it becomes pot-bound (roots filling the pot or growing out the drainage holes) or top-heavy.
• Choose a pot one size larger than its current one, ensuring it has good drainage.

8. Pruning:

• Prune as needed to remove damaged, old, or yellowing leaves. This allows the plant to direct energy to healthy growth.
• You can also prune to maintain a desired size and shape.
• Avoid removing more than 10-20% of the plant at a time.

9. Support:

• This is a climbing plant that grows vertically when provided with support.
• Provide a moss pole or stake for the plant to attach to as it grows, especially once it develops aerial roots.

10. Pests and Diseases:

• Philodendrons are generally quite resistant to pests, but stressed plants can be susceptible.
• Watch out for common houseplant pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
• If you spot an infestation, wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
• Root rot is the most common disease, caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Ensure proper drainage and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent this.
• Fungal leaf spots can occur if leaves stay wet for too long; water the soil directly and ensure good air circulation.

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Dry, crispy leaves: Underwatering, low humidity, direct sunlight (leaf scorch), or fertilizer burn. Assess soil moisture, lighting, and humidity.
• Curling leaves: Very dry soil or air, temperature stress, or pests. Check soil moisture and increase humidity.
• Drooping leaves: Under or overwatering, environmental change, pests/fungus, or needing a bigger pot. Check soil moisture and assess environment.
• Yellowing leaves: Most commonly overwatering or insufficient light.
• Stunted growth/small leaves: Low light or poor nutrition. Provide brighter light and fertilize.

Toxicity:

• Philodendron Narrow Escape is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of children and pets and wash your hands after handling the plant.